Nervi
Northwest of Portofino, the seaside resort of Nervi lies in the Liguria region of Italy. Situated on
Explore Genoa
Built during the Roman Empire, Genoa - also know as Genova - was a powerful port city by birth. Based in the north-western of Italy in the region of Liguria, Genoa borders the Ligurian Sea. Due to Genoa’s rich maritime history and the intense war activity that took place in World War II, many deep wrecks lie in wait of technical and recreational divers to explore their depths in the Gulf of Genoa. Dive centres in Genoa also visit the Portofino Marine Reserve which is a characterised by a rocky seascape. Caves, walls, and even the statue of Christ can be explored at Portofino’s countless sites.
Scuba diving in Genoa takes place from several dive centres in the city while dive resorts are not common. Dive courses are available to all levels, from beginners courses to technical diving.
Top Regions to Explore
Dive Centers
Top Genoa Dive Sites
1. The Haven Wreck
The Haven wreck is one of the largest in the Mediterranean, attracting a variety of marine life including groupers and barracudas. This site is suitable for advanced and technical divers, offering scuba diving challenges with depths reaching up to 40 meters. Its special features include the control room and engine room, making it a demanding dive.
2. Pelagosa Wreck
The Pelagosa wreck offers an exciting dive at 36 meters, where divers can explore the turret and large rudder. The site is home to various small fish and is accessible for advanced divers. It is primarily a scuba diving location, noted for its historical significance and intriguing underwater features.
3. Isuela, Portofino
Isuela is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, with small fish drawing large pelagics. The dive is classified as advanced due to its nutrient-rich currents. Suitable for both scuba and freediving enthusiasts, the site offers unique underwater experiences in the protected marine area of Portofino.
4. Grotta della Colombara
This dive involves exploration of three caves, hosting a variety of flora and fauna, including sponges and corals. Accessible to divers of all levels, it is a scuba diving site extending to 39 meters. Its special features include the expansive cave system located east of San Fruttuoso Cove.
5. The Dragon, Portofino
The Dragon offers diverse environments, rich with coral and gorgonians. Ideal for advanced scuba divers, the site features walls, suspended roofs, and intricate channels. It's part of the ecological marine park, providing a habitat for abundant marine life and offering breathtaking underwater landscapes.
The best Months to Dive in Genoa
The diving season in Italy runs from April through to November, with August being the most popular month - however, if you are not a fan of crowds while diving you may want to avoid it! Water temperatures range from 15℃ in January to 26℃ at the height of summer. The visibility is usually good throughout the year, with some dive centres operating outside of the dive season.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Genoa
Constantly swept by calm but nutrient-packed currents, Portofino is teeming with fish, from the smallest to large pelagics such as amberjacks and tuna. Heading down below 30-metres, the walls abound with red gorgonians and splendid crinoids while nudibranchs add vibrant bursts of colour to the rocky underwater landscape. Moray eels and conger eels hide in holes while deep in caves, a myriad of shrimp covers the craggy floors.
At the wreck sites which have become thriving artificial reefs, octopus, lobsters, sea bream and monkfish can be observed. Scorpionfish protect their alloy homes by flexing their spines and occasionally, overhead barracuda can be seen circling as if inspecting what is happening down below.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
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Total number of species approx.: 200
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Moray Eel
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Total number of species approx.: 27
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Barracuda
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Ocean Sunfish
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Total number of species approx.: 250
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Scorpionfish
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Total number of species approx.: 130
Shutterstock-Vladimir Wrangel
Sole
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Total number of species approx.: 7000
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Crab
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Total number of species approx.: 60
Shutterstock-Laura Dinraths
Electric Ray
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
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Total number of species approx.: 110
iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper
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